Perioperative Nursing and Allied Health Professionals

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and roles in perioperative nursing and allied health professions based on lecture notes.

Perioperative Environment

A specially designed and regulated area focused on patient safety and well-being during surgical interventions; includes special air filtration, temperature and humidity controls, restricted zones, and strict cleaning regimes.

Unrestricted Zone

Area in the perioperative environment where street clothes are allowed, but access is limited.

Semi-Restricted Zone

Area in the perioperative environment where only authorized personnel wearing perioperative attire are permitted.

Restricted Zone

Designated operating and procedural rooms where perioperative attire, masks, and other PPE are required.

Anaesthetic Nurse

Nurse who greets the patient, verifies ID and procedure, checks allergy and fasting status, monitors vital signs, and assists the anesthetist.

Circulating (Scout) Nurse

Nurse who manages the OR, advocates for the patient, checks the OR environment, maintains documentation, initiates Surgical Time Out, and ensures the sterile environment.

Instrument (Scrub) Nurse

Nurse who maintains aseptic technique, sets up sterile tables, prepares instruments, assists the surgeon, anticipates surgical needs, and accounts for all items during surgery.

Recovery/PACU Nurse

Nurse who monitors patient airway, breathing, circulation, conducts assessments, receives handover from anesthetist, manages post-operative pain and complications, ensures post-operative orders are in place, and provides handover to ward nurses.

Opioids

Class of medications (e.g., fentanyl, morphine) often administered during anaesthesia.

Benzodiazepines

Class of medications (e.g., midazolam) often administered during anaesthesia.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

Class of medications (e.g., suxamethonium, rocuronium) often administered during anaesthesia.

Antiemetics

Class of medications (e.g., metoclopramide, ondansetron) often administered during anaesthesia.

Post-op Day 0 (D0)

The day of surgery.

Post-op Day 1 (D1)

The day after surgery.

Allied Health

Umbrella term representing various health disciplines (excluding nurses and doctors) focused on enhancing and maintaining patient function.

Social Worker

Allied health professional who supports people to make change in their life to improve their personal and social well-being.

Psychologist

Allied health professional who seeks to understand the role of mind and emotions on the behaviors of individuals and groups.

Physiotherapist

Allied health professional who assesses and treats musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, developmental, and neurological impairments.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Allied health professional who assesses patients to understand what occupations are important to them and provides interventions to improve functional ability.

Dietitian

Allied health professional trained in nutrition assessments who provides dietary counselling and personalized meal plans.

Speech Pathologist

Allied health professional who provides services to people affected by communication or swallowing impairment.

Pharmacist

Health professional responsible for the quality and supply of medicines, ensuring their suitability and advising patients on their use.

Aboriginal Liaison Officer

Professional who assists multidisciplinary teams to provide culturally appropriate health care for Aboriginal individuals and families.

Referral Justification

Nurses cannot simply refer patients to allied health professionals without first making assessments of their patient care needs